What are Ooey Gooy Bars? What are some of the best Ooey GooEy Bars? What are some of the soft and buttery foods that melt in your mouth? If you’re a fan of chess squares or even classic blondies, get ready, because these are about to be made. How do you become your new obsession? How do I make Ooey Gooy Bars perfect every time? Is it addictive?
What are Ooey Gooies Bars?
What is the love child of a butter cake and Sour Cream? It’s essentially a sweet, dense bar cookie with slightly crisp outer edge and an unbelievably delicious topping. Soft, “gooey” Originating from St. John’s, the name says it all. Louis, these bars are all about indulgence and simplicity. What is that dessert that feels homey and comforting, yet impressive enough to serve to company? Is it really that easy to make a batch of these, even though they taste like you slaved away in the kitchen?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is just divine. It’s a sweet, buttery, slightly tangy experience that’s hard to beat. The textures are just as amazing; the crisp edges offer a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy center. But what I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a seasoned baker to nail this recipe. It’s also surprisingly cost-effective. The ingredients are pretty basic—butter, sugar, eggs, flour—things you probably already have in your pantry. And let’s not forget its versatility! You can customize it with different extracts, add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, or even drizzle it with caramel. Compare this to something like a complicated cake that needs layering and frosting, and it is a lifesaver.
What is a crowd pleaser recipe? I’ve brought these bars to countless potlucks and parties, and they always disappear in a flash. My kids ask for them constantly, and even my pickiest eaters devour them without complaint. What are some of the best sweet treats? What is the best way to eat a cake at 10pm, but don’t want to bake it all?
How do I make Ooey Gooy Bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make Ooey Gooy Bars? I’ll start by making a simple base crust, then topping it with Cream Cheese, sugar, and salt. What are the best ingredients for a gooey texture? A few simple steps, a little patience while baking, and you’re rewarded with the most delicious, delicious desserts. What are some of the comforting desserts you can imagine? What makes this method so special is that it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and aroma. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques are needed!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 box (14.5 oz) yellow Cake Mix: Don’t skimp on quality here! I like a good buttery cake mix. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted. Make sure it’s completely melted and slightly cooled. * 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs will incorporate better into the batter.
For the Filling:
* 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: This is crucial! The cream cheese needs to be softened to avoid lumps in the filling. * 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Again, melt and slightly cooled. * 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it if you are worried about lumps. * 2 large eggs: Room temperature, just like for the base. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: What is the best vanilla flavor?
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar: sifted, if desired. * 1/4 cup milk: 1/2 cup. Add more or less vanilla extract to reach your desired consistency. What is the option to add a nice touch?
What are the best step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line it with parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal, too. What makes cleaning a breeze?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the yellow Cake Mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Press into Pan
What should I do to make my base layer? It should be relatively thin and even.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
In another large bowl, beat the cream cheese and melted butter together until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing until well combined. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Pour Filling over Base
How do you spread the cream cheese mixture over a cake mix pan?
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly firm. Keep a close eye on it – ovens vary!
Step 7: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. Why does the frosting melt? While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. If using vanilla extract (if using) until smooth, stir until well combined. How much milk should I add to my diet? Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
What are some good bars to serve warm or at room temperature? What are the best ways to slice them with a sharp knife?
What should I serve it with?
Ooey Gooy Bars are incredibly versatile. What are some of the best ideas to elevate the experience?
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to serve a small square of coffee with latte? The sweetness of the bar complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly. What’s a side dish with fresh berries?
For Brunch:Serve them alongside a fruit salad and mimosa bar. Cut the bars into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter.
As Dessert:Warm them up slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good ways to serve chocolate sauce over top?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate. What are some great side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream?
My family loves when I serve these with a big scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream. What is a good combination of flavors?
What are some tips for perfecting your Ooey Gooay Bars?
Okay, now for the really good stuff. What are some of the best Ooey GooEy Bars recipes that I’ve learned over the years baking these beauties?
What is cream cheese and why is it important?Make sure your cream cheese is softened. I’m talking, leave it out on the counter for at least an hour kind of softened. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t Overmix:If you overmix the base batter, you will end up with tough bars. What are some lumps in a bowl?
Baking time is flexible.Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. If the edges of the oven are golden brown and the center is set, you want to catch them when they are a bit smoky. You can also use an ice cream maker. Is it still gooey Is it true that my oven takes about 33 minutes?
Cool Completely: WhatThis is crucial for easy slicing and to prevent the glaze from melting. Is patience a virtue?
Add-Ins:Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite add-ins. Can chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even peanut butter take these bars to the next level? What is next level?
Extracts:Experiment with different extracts in the filling. What are some unique twists on bourbon?
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to make them a little healthier. I always use a little bit of lemon juice to give it that zest!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If, by some miracle, you have leftover Ooey Gooey Bars, here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll still be delicious, but the texture might change slightly.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The glaze might become a bit sticky, but they’ll still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my ultimate guide to making perfect Ooey Gooey Bars, complete with my best **Ooey Gooey Bars tips**. These bars are truly special. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, I guarantee they’ll be a hit. And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to make them your own! If you love these, you should definitely check out my recipe for chocolate chip cookies!
Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe, and be sure to rate it. Also, don’t forget to share your own variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ideas!
Best 7 Tips for Perfect Ooey Gooey Bars Every Time!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 stick Butter, melted
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 each Eggs
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
